To keep roads safe, state and federal regulations set high expectations for both truck drivers and trucking companies.
These regulations govern various aspects of trucking operations, including driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, hours of service and cargo loading. However, if a truck driver or trucking company fails in its duty, others may be able to hold them accountable for injuries and deaths.
Driver safety
Truck drivers must undergo thorough training and certification processes to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to operate their vehicles safely. Additionally, they must follow strict guidelines on driving hours and rest breaks. This is a major way to prevent driver fatigue (also called drowsy driving). It is a leading cause of trucking accidents.
Vehicle maintenance and inspection
Trucking companies are responsible for regularly inspecting and maintaining their vehicles. Companies must identify and address any potential issues that could compromise safety. Neglecting proper maintenance or overloading trailers can lead to mechanical failures or loss of control, putting everyone on the road at risk.
Liability
When a truck driver or trucking company fails to uphold the required safety standards and causes an injury or wrongful fatality, they can be held accountable for their negligence. Victims of trucking accidents may be eligible for relatively high amounts of compensation due to the greater accountability for trucking companies and the higher general severity of truck accidents. The damages, injuries and losses incurred by victims may be more extensive.
Stringent regulations play an important role in road safety and aim to mitigate the risks associated with commercial trucking. Of course, these regulations do not always work.